The Mazda ND Miata has been a beloved roadster for a decade, but how can Mazda improve on its simplicity in an era of advanced automotive trends? While Mazda may be constrained by modern expectations and regulations, the aftermarket is free to innovate. The ND Miata, like its predecessors, is an excellent platform for modifications, and one of the most impressive builds comes from Geaux Moto a company based in Louisiana.
Geaux Moto specializes in a 2.3-liter Ford EcoBoost swap kit for the ND Miata. This turbocharged inline-four engine, also found in the Ford Mustang and the last Focus RS is not left in its stock configuration. The company pairs this powerful engine with serious aerodynamic enhancements, creating a high-performance roadster that defies expectations.
The Power Behind the Beast
In a video on Geaux Moto’s YouTube channel the company explains the intricate details of this build. The Miata is equipped with a larger twin-scroll Garrett turbo featuring dual wastegates, producing an impressive 460 horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque on the dyno. For street use, the regular tune is set to 321 hp and 378 lb-ft ensuring a balance between power and drivability.
The engine is outfitted with a Focus RS oil pan that includes added baffling for better oil control. Cooling needs are met with a bigger radiator, intercooler, and supplementary radiators housed in the factory foglight locations. The Mustang’s MT-82 six-speed manual transmission is used, which is the most complex part of the swap. Installing the engine requires minor trimming around the cowl and repositioning some accessories, but the transmission necessitates an alternative to the Power Plant Frame.
Aft of the gearbox, an OS Giken limited-slip differential is installed in the stronger stock casing, ensuring optimal power delivery. This build is a testament to the meticulous engineering and attention to detail that Geaux Moto brings to the table.
Aerodynamics and Handling
The Miata is not just about raw power; it also features a Varis-engineered aero kit. Geaux Moto purchases the enormous rear wing and builds the carbon-fiber front splitter in-house, following a Varis design. This combination produces 576 pounds of downforce at 100 mph significantly enhancing the car’s stability and handling.
Equipped with 285/30ZR17 tires front and rear, the Miata remains planted as it puts down nearly twice the power of a stock ND. This build is no laid-back cruiser, but it retains air conditioning and most of its interior. The stock bits are commingled with Sparco seats and a custom roll bar designed to fit under the DG hardtop creating a well-sorted car that showcases the potential of the ND chassis.
Geaux Moto’s Ford EcoBoost-powered ND Miata is a remarkable example of what can be achieved with the right modifications and engineering expertise. It blends power, aerodynamics, and handling to create a high-performance roadster that stands out in the aftermarket scene.
